Capacitive Touch Sensors in Rough Environments – Completely New Concept by EBE Sensors + Motion

Innovative touch control panels look elegant but entail further problems. Especially in rough environments, capacitive touch sensors often fail. For these applications, the EBE technology offers a completely redesigned capacitive button that remains fully functional even if entirely wetted with water.
Who has not experienced the following: The button on the induction or ceramic hob is just slightly soiled but does not work any more. Or the touch control panel of the machine tool needs to be cleaned several times a day to ensure continued operation. Not only distorting parameters such as water, grease or other lubricating films obstruct the operation of the underlying button, but also electromagnetic disturbances. Capacitive touch sensors from EBE sensors + motion are capable of suppressing all these distorting parameters in order to ensure a reliable operation, even in case of heavy soiling or operation with gloves.

Novel Operating Principle of the Capacitive Sensor System
The new EBE technology is capable of eliminating any kind of artefacts and disturbances to shield the desired tactile signal from interference. To achieve this, the algorithms can distinguish between a great variety of influences, e.g. a finger from a water puddle, although both components act capacitively. The new capacitive touch sensors recognize different media and deliberately execute switching operations – or refrain from doing so. This allows to send unequivocal signals even in case of diverse and varying soilings. The electromagnetic disturbances that frequently cause problems with industrial applications can be suppressed by this technology.

Distinction Between Deliberate and Random Actuations
Furthermore, the novel capacitive touch sensors from EBE are capable of distinguishing between different kinds of movement. A deliberate operation of the button can be distinguished from a random swiping motion. This is particularly useful during the cleansing process. Thus, it is avoided to randomly switch the touch sensors on or off.

Wide Range of Applications
Due to the high sensitivity, it is possible to measure through different materials, even very thick ones. Operating the touch sensors is also possible with thick gloves. In case of difficult installation situations, the sensor can be adapted to the respective condition so that even small installation spaces can be equipped.

The novel capacitive touch sensors from EBE sensors + motion work reliably even under roughest conditions. The button may be completely covered with water and can still be operated without any restrictions.

• Share: